Deakin University, Waurn Ponds Village
Willem Yaluk College is a purpose-built facility commissioned by Deakin Residential Services, comprising of 32 10-bedroom apartments for student accommodation, along with additional amenities such as a free-standing administration building, town hall, and village green.
Having designed and delivered several Student Accommodation projects for Deakin University, nettletontribe’s design of the buildings has been thoughtfully crafted to follow the contours of the site’s existing topography, aiming to minimise environmental impact and optimise solar exposure for open spaces and student accommodation. Further, the complex’s layout is connected through a network of nicely paved pathways that lead throughout the site and promote interconnectivity throughout the campus.
Visually, the residential buildings feature a bright, light-coloured aesthetic, while the non-residential buildings – namely, the Town Hall, Administration Building, and Student Common Room – present a contrasting, dark hue. Despite the contrasting colour scheme, unifying design elements like the use of Colorbond sheeting, masonry, and timber are deployed throughout the entire complex.


The Village Green is the social hub for the residents, providing a gathering place to socialise, learn, and relax, while the Town Hall building serves as a multi-purpose facility that can be used for numerous functions, gatherings, or performances. It is directly accessible from the Village Green – the central zone of this community space. This project underscores Deakin University’s deep commitment to both community culture and sustainable design practices.
